Bill > HB3045

This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to address how a defendant's voluntary intoxication can be treated in criminal proceedings. Specifically, the bill prevents defendants from using voluntary intoxication as a way to argue that they did not have the mental state (intent or knowledge) required to commit a crime. Evidence of voluntary intoxication cannot be used to negate the defendant's mental state, and attorneys are not allowed to make arguments to the judge or jury suggesting that voluntary intoxication should reduce the defendant's criminal liability. However, evidence of intoxication may still be admitted for other relevant purposes. If any evidence of intoxication (whether voluntary or involuntary) is presented during a trial, the judge must instruct the jury that voluntary intoxication is not a valid legal defense to the criminal charges. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals cannot avoid criminal responsibility by claiming they were drunk at the time of an offense.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3045&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104